Sexton's Poem 'To A Friend Whose Work Had Come To Triumph'

Ignoring the Golden Mean to Rise to the Pinnacle Anne Sexton’s poem “To a Friend Whose Work Had Come to Triumph” alludes to the Greek myth of Icarus. Icarus and his father Daedalus leave the Labyrinth, escaping imprisonment by flying out on wings created by the father. Daedalus sternly warns Icarus to be careful and to “follow a course that is midway between the earth and the sky.” If they flew too low, the waves could engulf them and if they flew too high, the sun could “scorch their feathers and melt their wax.” Icarus becomes prideful and possesses temerity and courage. He “soared higher and higher” until he reached the blazing fiery sun. Icarus plunges to his death. However, the author uses imagery to interpret the myth in a form of
As he escalated, emotionally and physically, Icarus sees the trees, “awkward as camels.” The trees were big and gawky in the view he possessed compared to the “plushy ocean.” Also, the “shocked starlings” pumped by, trying to believe what they are seeing and to continue flying in their safe path. They see the strange scene of something that looks like their species, but is actually not. The starlings pass by Icarus in curiosity and surprise and continuously go on a beautiful and liberating flight. Icarus soars in the sky free from labyrinth and especially arises from traditional expectations. The wings led him “over the fog” and he could feel “the blast of the plushy ocean.” With the feeling of triumph, Icarus flew through the sky “larger than a sail”. As he soared above the “plushy ocean,” which is abundantly rich and luxuriant, the splendid scene lets Icarus drift into admiration and independence. After his father persistently told him how dangerous the waters were, Icarus now sees the ocean as less of a threat, and it seemed like it will cushion his fall. The reader should sense the feeling to “admire his wings” as the character of Icarus feels exultation overflowing in his heart. Through the obliviousness, he finally realizes that he started to “feel the fire at his neck.” The fire